2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 831 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
